I have Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition among American women of all ages, races and backgrounds. It is more common in women in their 20’s and 30’s, but I was diagnosed when I was just a child. When I was about 13 I had my first surgery to remove some of the cysts that I had developed. This surgery was called a Laparoscopy. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Access into the abdomen is obtained through the navel and a harmless gas such as carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdominal cavity and create a safe working space. I have the teeeeeniest tiniest scar there. I also have one a few inches below that in my pubic line.

The AAGL is the leading association promoting minimally invasive gynecologic surgery among surgeons worldwide.

A new awareness study found that virtually all women expect their OB/GYN to inform them about minimally invasive treatments for common pelvic health disorders (PHDs), yet comparatively few are aware of the newer treatments designed to cause less pain and provide shorter recoveries.

Well, I am here to help inform as well. Luckily I had this awesome doctor that was one of the leading physicians for the study and treatment of Endometriosis. My mother had Endometriosis, so when I started having horrible pains in about the 4Th/5Th grade he made sure to keep an eye on this. I first had an ultrasound and he was able to tell from that. Then later the Laparoscopy was done to remove the cysts so I could get started on a hormonal treatment to help put this in remission. Thanks to this less invasive treatment my chances to have have children were increased and I now have 3 daughters that were conceived without issue. With my daughters I will watch for signs for this as well so they can start any treatment needed at a younger age as my mother did for me.

AAGL, the professional organization of gynecologists interested in endoscopy and minimally invasive gynecology, has retooled its Web site, www.aagl.org, and added a comprehensive patient education section on common gynecologic conditions and the minimally invasive options available to treat them.

I highly suggest checking out the AAGL website. It is full of information that should be passed on to other women who may not know and are living in horrible pain. I know that I myself have told many people about Endometriosis, because I recognized the signs. Most of these women had NEVER heard of the condition and did not know there were these treatments available. Educate yourself!

MomCentral.com is helping to get this information out to everyone, and I was glad to jump in and help since this is an issue that has affected me for most of my life and I have experienced the treatments first hand. I also want you mothers to be aware of this for your daughters.

IBC....Ever heard of it? If you are like most women then you probably have not. IBC stands for

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

I want you to click that link and watch that video of a newscast talking about IBC. It could save your life. There are no tell tale lumps with IBC. People think they have bug bites, seriously...bug bites...this can KILL YOU. For most women by the time they find out its just too late.

Here are some more helpful links:
National Cancer Institute
IBC Research Foundation
MayoClinic

Take some time to check it out, and spread the word!

Yesterday my friend Misti, all of my children and myself joined with the Cooksey Family and walked in the Out of the Darkness Walk. It was a 5K walk for Suicide prevention and awareness. Our team raised $1700 to help fund this great organization. Below are some pictures I managed to take while walking Saturday. It was a great time for a great cause and I am so happy we could be there!

As you know, our friend Ben Cooksey committed suicide in July. His family has set up a walk team and we have joined it.

My goal is only $100, I hope to exceed this. If everyone that reads my blog, or has me on myspace or in a yahoo group just donated $1.00 I would meet this goal of $100 and surely go over it.

http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/stitchblade

I will be joining with thousands of people nationwide this fall to walk in AFSP's 2008 Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause.The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 32,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100% tax deductible.Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the "Support This Participant" button on this page.Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Meet Madeline, she was born on July 21st 2008. She has an extremely rare skin disorder called Congenital Pigmented Nevus (CPN).
This disorder causes some problems for Miss Madeline and she really needs this stuff removed!

Her chances of developing Melanoma (skin cancer) are much higher than with "normal" skin.

She has trouble with overheating - the nevus skin cannot sweat.

There are long term social and psychological challenges of living with the nevus.

She'll have restricted activity due to the structure of the nevus and UV exposure.

Guess what though....Insurance will not cover the surgery to remove it! So, Madeline needs our help! They have set up a fund to help Madeline raise the money she needs to get her surgery. Her little body is covered with this. She has one very large area on her back, and many many small ones all over her little body.

So what can we do? Well first of all you can help spread the word about Madeline! Secondly you can donate some funds, or you could arrange a fundraiser.

For those of you out there that are just hearing about this tribute concert; let me bring you up to speed......
Saturday, August 30th @ Lonestar Country Club in Coppell, 10 bands, a legion of friends, supporters and music lovers will gather for a full night event to remember and honor the legacy of the late Ben Cooksey who passed away July, 4th 2008. Ben was an accomplished musician who played in several great bands such as Roller, RPB, and Hit & Run. Ben was also part owner of Lone Star Tattoo with his brother, Scott Cooksey.

Ben was a true friend to those who were fortunate enough to have him in thier lives. He was a great son, an awesome uncle and a trusted brother. He was truly one of those guys that would give his shirt off his back if need be.

The concerts proceeds are going toward a monument that will landmark Bens presence in this world. We are encouraging everyone to reach out and support this event.

Even if you didnt know Ben we are inviting you to join us to experience an unforgettable night!

We have 10 bands that are ready to rock and that's what these guys do best!! This is a powerhouse line-up that will guarantee to host one hellacious party....BC STYLE!!

Doors open at 4pm. First band starts between 4:30-5:00 and we'll roll till 2am.


Over 21 - $10
Under 21 - $15

See you at the show!!!!!
Tell a friend

You think this is something that could never happen until it happens to you or someone you know. I know I thought it could never happen until I met a friend who had to experience this. IT DOES HAPPEN, and I want to link to this site that is giving away FREE kits to make your blinds safer. Please don't wait thinking it could never happen because it CAN happen and it DOES happen! Please read my friends story below:

"At 21 years old i went through the toughest time of my life. I lost my son Jacob Adam James Alexander- at 17 months. I had just moved in to a new apartment...the night before I was putting stuff in my kids room away, put together the crib, and to keep it out of my way I pushed it against the wall closest to it. Also next to the window. As my son and daughter slept I put their clothes away kissed them goodnight ant went to bed. the next morning I went in to check on them, Kylie met me at the door and Jacob still sound asleep, or so I thought. I took a double look at him, his head was cocked funny and the strings to the blinds were around his throat. naturally I freaked, took him out and started CPR, grabbed the phone and called 911- they tried to walk me through CPR as I'm yelling at the lady I know how to ****ing do it just get someone here! He was still warm, so he couldn't have been down but 10 minutes, as they confirmed, they got there and got him breathing again. we were transported to the best children's hospital here in Portland Oregon, as I was settling in to the thought of losing a child I went in to the mode of *numb*,they kept him alive for 20 hours--- the sounds of heart monitor and oxygen levels start spiking, all i can hear is the beeping from the machines. his heart goes in to attack achardia, as it did 4-5 times, they confirmed brain death, Adam, my sons father, wanted to keep him alive, his lil body kept giving out, I made the hardest decision of my life. and he(Adam) backed me 100%, do not resuscitate, "let him go,please leave him alone" I yelled at the doctor. They turned off the machines, and I hit the floor. In the background all I could hear was the song on the radio in his room. somewhere over the rainbow. For some odd reason it almost put me at peace. I knew Jake was OK. Losing a child is never easy, I never said it was......but the celebration of his life out weighed losing him. Though today I sit and cry as I write this, it never gets easier telling the story, but I feel it to be a great healing tactic I use as to tell his story. Of course guilt and depression set in...but I had a lil girl to live for, and hope I can help educate and guide through difficult losses for mothers, fathers, relatives. I hope everyone can find peace in their loss. If you have made it this far I thank you for taking the time to read my story."

This woman is one of the strongest people I have ever met. She uses her loss to educate others about what could happen. A lesson for us all. Please take a moment to take preventive measures in your own home. Thank you!

Edited to add:

You can view Jacobs new memorial webpage here.

Taking this time to remember a friend and to reflect on life. Ben Cooksey was a very talented person. He was a musician, an artist, a friend, a son, a brother, and an uncle. I am sure he has made an impact in many peoples lifes over the years, and will be missed by many. I am sharing some of my photos here of him and hope that people will take the time to pray for his family in this horrible time. To help his family with expenses we are selling HIT & RUN cds. If you can, please order one below or visit HIT & RUN. I think the first picture is very suiting. Looking back in the rear view mirror. Looking back like I know all of you are doing trying to figure out what could have been done or said to change this all. Instead look back and think of all the good times, that is how I am sure he would want it.

Go maire sibh bhur saol nua.